Rocks Band: I have 48 Imperial Arms.

“It’s really amazing.” Shanks nodded. “However, Devil Fruits also have their limitations. For example, once you eat one, you can never swim again.”

“What does it matter?” Locke asked.

"Because pirates cannot live without the ocean," Shanks explained. "Once you lose the ability to swim, you will lose a great advantage."

“I understand,” Locke nodded. “However, this gift is truly very important.”

“I know,” Shanks smiled. “Good luck.”

Locke and the Straw Hat Pirates accepted Shanks' gift and began their journey to find a Teigu (Imperial Armor). They traveled through various seas, challenging powerful pirate crews and sea monsters. By chance, they learned that a Teigu existed on Wapol Island.

Walpol Island is an island built of technology and machinery, said to possess state-of-the-art weapons and equipment. The Straw Hat Pirates decide to travel to this island to see if they can find a Teigu (Imperial Arms).

When they arrived at the island, they found that it had already been occupied by a powerful pirate crew. The leader of this pirate crew was named Clifford, a tall man who wielded a very powerful (chag) electric axe.

The Straw Hat Pirates engaged in a fierce battle with Clifford, but Clifford's strength was immense, making him almost an absolute match for the Straw Hat Pirates. Locke repeatedly used his skills in an attempt to defeat Clifford, but without success.

"This guy is really tough to deal with," Locke sighed. "What should we do?"

"Let me do it!" Luffy shouted. "I'm going to use my Haki to send him flying!"

Luffy gathered his power and unleashed his ultimate attack, "Elephant Rock Staff." His fist transformed into a giant elephant head, which he slammed down towards Clifford.

However, Clifford reacted very quickly. He grabbed Luffy's fist and pulled hard, throwing Luffy directly to the ground.

“It seems you are not strong enough.” Clifford sneered. “You need more training to defeat me.”

The Straw Hat Pirates fell silent. They knew this battle was extremely important; if they lost, they would lose their chance to find the Imperial Arms.

“We can’t give up!” Usopp shouted. “We still have a chance.”

“Yes, we can’t let this guy defeat us,” Sanji said. “We have to keep fighting.”

Locke also stood up; he knew this was a crucial moment, and he had to find a way to defeat Clifford.

Chapter 358: The Guardians of Valpol Island!

“We need to find a way to exploit Clifford’s weaknesses,” Locke said. “Although he is powerful, he must have some weaknesses.”

"Then how should we find it?" Chopper asked.

“We need to understand his skills and fighting style,” Locke explained, “and then find his weaknesses.”

So, the Straw Hat Pirates began to carefully observe Clifford's fighting style. They discovered that although Clifford was powerful, his axe needed time to recharge, and during this time, he had almost no defensive capabilities.

“We must seize his recharging time,” Locke said. “This is our only chance.”

The Straw Hat Pirates began to implement their plan, relentlessly attacking Clifford in an attempt to disrupt his charging rhythm. Locke, using his abilities, continuously interfered with Clifford's power, extending his charging time.

Clifford discovered his axe was malfunctioning and grew increasingly enraged, but the Straw Hat Pirates seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack. Locke used his physical prowess and weapon skills to relentlessly attack Clifford's feet and arms, attempting to weaken him.

After a period of intense fighting, the Straw Hat Pirates finally found Clifford's weakness. When his axe is fully charged, he pauses for a moment, which is his most vulnerable moment.

The Straw Hat Pirates seized the opportunity and launched a series of deadly attacks. Luffy used his "Elephant Rock Club," Usopp used his ranged attacks, and Sanji unleashed his "Locomotive" skill, violently crashing into Clifford.

Despite his valiant resistance, Clifford was ultimately defeated by the Straw Hat Pirates. He collapsed to the ground, covered in wounds, unable to rise again.

"We've won!" Locke shouted. "We've found his weakness."

The Straw Hat Pirates cheered, filled with excitement and pride. They had finally defeated a powerful pirate captain, proving their strength and courage.

“Now we should go find that Imperial Arm,” Chopper said excitedly.

“That’s right.” Locke nodded. “But we still need to be careful, because there are definitely still many dangers on this island.”

The Straw Hat Pirates began searching everywhere for the Imperial Arm, traversing every corner of the island, looking for any possible clues. In a forgotten corner, they finally found the Imperial Arm.

·· ······Requesting 0 flowers ······

It was an incredibly ornate sword, inlaid with various gems and metals, radiating intense energy. The Straw Hat Pirates felt their hearts pounding; they knew it was an extremely precious treasure.

"Is this the Obsidian Sword?" Locke asked.

..

“That’s right, that’s it.” A strange voice suddenly rang out.

The Straw Hat Pirates immediately became alert; they spotted a figure—a person wearing a black cloak.

"Who are you?" Luffy asked.

“I am the guardian of Walpol Island, and my name is Krim,” the man said. “This sword is the most precious treasure on our island, and I cannot allow you to take it away so easily.”

“But this sword is what we’re looking for,” Locke said. “We need it to save our companions.”

“I know your purpose,” Krim said, “but this sword will not be easily obtained. You will need to pass my test to acquire it.” VI.

Chapter 359: The Trial of the Mechanical Maze!

The Straw Hat Pirates looked tense; they knew this wouldn't be an easy task.

“Alright, we’re ready to accept your test,” Locke said.

“Very well, my test is very simple,” Krim said. “You need to get through this mechanical maze within one hour.”

Krim pointed ahead, and the Straw Hat Pirates saw a huge mechanical maze filled with all sorts of mechanisms and traps.

“That sounds dangerous,” Sanji said.

“Don’t worry, 460, I’ll be watching you,” Krim said. “If you succeed, then this sword is yours.”

The Straw Hat Pirates decided to accept the test and entered the mechanical labyrinth. It was filled with all sorts of mechanisms and traps, but they bravely pressed on, gradually approaching their goal.

The Straw Hat Pirates entered the mechanical labyrinth, filled with various mechanisms and traps. They proceeded cautiously, stopping frequently to observe their surroundings and avoid falling into any traps.

"Everyone be careful, there seems to be a trap here," Usopp warned.

“That’s right, there seems to be a mechanism here,” Sanji joined the conversation.

“It seems we need to be extra careful,” Locke said. “Just getting through this mechanical maze will be difficult enough.”

Time ticked by, and the Straw Hat Pirates arrived at a crossroads. Surrounded by traps and mechanisms, they were unsure which way to go.

"What should we do now?" Luffy asked.

“We can try searching separately and then regrouping,” Locke suggested.

"Splitting up to search?" Chopper asked worriedly. "Wouldn't that be more dangerous?"

“Don’t worry, we are all very strong,” Locke said. “As long as everyone is careful, I believe we will succeed.”

So the Straw Hat Pirates split up. They proceeded cautiously, searching for the right path. Locke and Luffy were in one group, Usopp and Chopper in another, and Sanji went off alone.

The Straw Hat Pirates split up and proceeded cautiously. Everyone remained vigilant, observing their surroundings for traps and mechanisms.

Locke and Luffy teamed up and arrived at a huge room. The room was dimly lit and filled with various mechanisms and traps.

"This place seems dangerous," Luffy said warily.

“Yes, we must be careful,” Locke said. “We need to find the right path.”

They began searching for the right path, moving forward step by step. Locke constantly observed his surroundings, trying to find any possible clues.

"Rock, look over there!" Luffy suddenly shouted.

He pointed into the distance, and Locke followed his finger, spotting a light. They quickened their pace and headed in that direction...

As they approached, they found it was a door. There was a combination lock on it; Locke tried several combinations, but none worked.

“It seems we need to find the password,” Locke said.

"Then how should we find it?" Luffy asked.

“We can continue searching, or we can seek help from other partners,” Locke suggested.

They decided to find the other partners first and search for the password together.

Meanwhile, Usopp and Chopper also arrived at a treacherous place. They discovered a mechanism there that they had to solve to continue.

"This mechanism seems difficult," Chopper frowned.

“That’s right, but we have to solve it,” Usopp said. “We need to figure out a way.”

They began to think, trying to find a way to solve the mechanism. Usopp discovered that the mechanism's design was somewhat strange, seemingly containing some unusual clues.

“I’ve found a clue,” Usopp said. “We need to put these symbols together.”

He pointed to some symbols on the mechanism, and Chopper followed his finger and found that the symbols were indeed a bit strange.

They tried combining the symbols, but didn't succeed at first. They kept trying and finally found the right way to combine them.

The mechanism began to turn, and the door slowly opened.

Chapter 360: Crocodile's Most Powerful Subordinate!

"This is the treasure we've been searching for!" Luffy exclaimed excitedly.

“That’s right, now we need to get our hands on it,” Locke said.

They began to walk towards their target, but suddenly, some enemies appeared in front of them. These enemies were highly skilled and looked extremely dangerous.

“We must fight them!” Locke shouted.